NANS Organizes Massive Protest in Oyo Over Abduction of Students and Teachers

IBADAN — The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has announced plans for a large-scale solidarity and advocacy rally in Oyo State on Monday, June 1, 2026. The protest comes in response to the continued captivity of students and teachers abducted from the Oriire Local Government Area of the state two weeks ago.

Mobilizing for Justice

NANS President, Akinteye Babatunde, confirmed the mobilization of all national structures, student leaders, and stakeholders to participate in the movement. Describing the ongoing hostage situation as "heartbreaking and unacceptable," the association is demanding immediate intervention from federal and state security agencies to secure the safe release of the victims.

In a formal statement, Akinteye declared:

"It has been two weeks since this cruel act was perpetrated, and it is appalling that, till this day, the abducted students and teachers are yet to be rescued. At this critical crossroads, silence is no longer golden; we must act decisively."

Protest Itinerary

The solidarity rally is scheduled to include a series of high-level engagements and advocacy actions across the state:

      •  School Visits: A demonstration and fact-finding visit to the affected sites: Community High School/Grammar School (Ahoro-Esiele), L.A. Primary School (Ahoro-Esiele), and Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School.

      •  Security Agency Engagement: Formal visits to the Oyo State Commissioner of Police and the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS) to press for urgent rescue operations.

      •  Peaceful Walk: A concluding peaceful march through the streets of Ibadan to highlight the growing insecurity facing educational institutions in the region.

The Oriire Abductions

The crisis stems from a violent attack on May 15, 2026, when gunmen raided schools in the Oriire Local Government Area. Reports indicate that seven teachers and 39 students were abducted during the incident. Tragically, one teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was killed by the attackers. Among those still held captive is a two-year-old toddler, Christianah Akanbi, further fueling public outrage and the urgency of the students' demands.